By Nnamdi Iheagwaram
The People of Owerri Municipal recently trooped out in their numbers to witness the inauguration of the newly elected councillors at the council headquarters. The inauguration was performed by the clerk of the council Mrs Ezurike O. Ursula who read the proclamation of the Governor His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma before proceeding to conduct the election for the principal officers of the 7th legislative council and subsequently swear them in. At the end of the election, Rt Hon. Justice Soronnadi Chijioke emerged the leader of the 7th legislative council, Rt Hon. Kenna MBA emerged the deputy leader of the council, Hon Osinachi Agbugba emerged the majority leader while Hon. Christopher Onyewe was returned as the Chief whip of the council.
In a swift reaction after his inauguration Rt. Hon. Soronnadi Justice assured the people that the seventh legislative council of Owerri Municipal will be a new beginning for all stressing that it is going to be a council of love and a peaceful council that will strive to work to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Owerri Municipal. Hon Soronnadi said that he will adopt the Governor's policy thrust and replicate it at the his ward stressing that the Governor's policy of one kindred, one business 'Okobi' will be implemented. Hon Soronnadi said that he will ensure that every kindred in Owerri Municipal through the legislative arm and through the policies they will make, 'Okobi' will come to stay as a culture. He commended the Governor Hope Uzodinma for the good work he has been doing in the state, the State Party Chairman, Hon. Macdonald Ebere PHD for the opportunity given to them to emerge. He also thanked the executive chairman of the council Engr. Chidiebere Emeribe for his doggedness towards their emergence and for his uprightness and support.
The council leader expressed his appreciation to the local government party chairman whom he said guided him as a ward Chairman.Also speaking, the majority leader of the 7th legislative council Rt. Hon. Osinachi Agbugba thanked the Governor for ensuring that the third tier of government worked in Imo State. He expressed his appreciation for the leaders from his ward and the State Party Chairman Hon. Macdonald Ebere and Rt Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, and Hon. Chidiebere Emeribe for making it possible for him to emerge adding that as a councillor his primary assignment is law making but promised to fulfill his campaign promises.
Earlier in his address the executive Chairman of the council Hon. Engr. Chidiebere Emeribe Charged them to focus on Infrastructural development of your constituents, economic empowerment of their constituents, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and accountability stressing that as leaders, they should have their guiding principles which should include amongst others things exclusive decision making, responsive service delivery, physical discipline, integrity and ethics. He however charged them to put the interest of their constituents first in their various wards, foster partnership with stakeholders and also the leader of their wards and recognize the role of their support staff.
